Update: 2 dead in 'apparent murder-suicide' at nursing home

Editor's note: If you or anyone you know is having ideations of self-harm, call or text the Suicide and Crisis hotline at 988. HURON TWP. — Two people died in an apparent murder-suicide at an Erie County nursing facility on Thursday. It occurred shortly before noon at The Meadows at Osborn Park on East Perkins Avenue across from Osborn MetroPark. Here's what happened, according to a release from the Erie County Sheriff's Office: • At about 11:30 a.m., the sheriff's office and Huron firefighters were dispatched to the nursing facility for a reported shooting. • First responders learned that a 75-year-old man was visiting his 73-year-old wife, a resident at the facility. • The husband had a concealed handgun. Facility staff heard two gunshots come from the resident's room and arrived to find both the husband and wife suffering from gunshot wounds. • Staff began providing medical aid immediately, but the wife was declared deceased, and the husband was transported to Firelands Regional Medical Center, where he also died of his injuries. The sheriff's office did not provide the identities of either the husband or wife. "No one else was injured," Erie County Sheriff Paul Sigsworth said. The motive for the shooting is not yet clear, Sigsworth said. Several 911 calls were made after the shots were heard. In recordings of the calls reviewed by the newspaper, staff can be heard talking to dispatchers about their efforts to provide first aid and directing deputies on how to access the building. Autopsies will be completed at the Lucas County coroner's office, the release states. The sheriff's office continues to investigate. The Meadows at Osborn Park posted a statement online Thursday afternoon: "During this difficult time we ask for compassion and grace. All residents are safe. Please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers." Commissioner comments Erie County commissioner Pat Shenigo also provided a statement: I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life at The Meadows today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected, as well as the residents and employees who experienced this isolated situation. The safety and well-being of our residents and staff remain our highest priority, and we will make sure appropriate support and resources are available to them in the days ahead. I also want to thank our law enforcement officers, first responders and The Meadows staff for their professionalism and compassion during an extremely difficult event. As the investigation continues, I would ask everyone to respect the privacy of those affected and keep them in their thoughts and prayers.